Episode 46: The Long Haul: Retention and Recruitment in the Industry

Written By Alberta Motor Transport Association AMTA

Listen to this episode on your favourite podcast platforms as usual, or watch this episode, recorded in our Studio, on our YouTube channel.

 

In this episode, we explore retention in commercial transportation in Alberta, with a focus on drivers, but also on all aspects of what makes a carrier, supplier, and more, tick in this industry.


AMTA's Kelsey Hipkin chats with Leah Mawer, Vice President of Human Resources, Caron Transportation Systems, in our first segment, and then is joined by Alero Okujagu, Senior Program Manager, and Tanara Ferguson, Senior Project Manager, at Trucking HR Canada (THRC) for our second segment.

Interested in learning more about THRC?

  • We are currently in the middle of our Driver Appreciation Days. Over the course of the week, members, staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters express their appreciation – on behalf of all Albertans – to professional commercial drivers within the province. Volunteers are stationed at eight Commercial Vehicle Inspection Stations across Alberta and distribute gift bags to the drivers. If you are interested in getting involved and donating swag for next year (2026), please email events@amta.ca.

  • Is there a driver in your fleet with an exemplary record? Do they go above and beyond not only for industry but for the motoring public? Nominate them for AMTA’s Driver of the Month: https://amta.ca/driver-of-the-month/

  • It’s BACK! AMTA’s Drawdown Dinner returns October 16 at the River Cree Entertainment Centre. Tickets are available on our website: https://amta.ca/event/2025-amta-drawdown-dinner/.

  • Join us on Wednesday, October 22, at the Sherwood Park Safety Summit for a full day of content, including a keynote presentation and sessions with information and tangible takeaways relevant to commercial transportation. Network with like-minded transportation professionals and explore our event tradeshow. Tickets start at only $30, and booths start at only $149. Both are on sale now! https://amta.ca/event/amta-safety-summit-sherwood-park/

  • Important!! AMTA has launched a new events platform directly on our website. To register for AMTA events, you must have an AMTA Portal account. Please create an account or log in before registering. We understand setting up a new account may be a small inconvenience, but this change is part of our efforts to provide a more streamlined, secure, and cohesive online experience for our members. If you have any questions, or need assistance, please reach out to us at marcom@amta.ca.

Do you have an idea for a future Steering Change series? Message us at marcom@amta.ca.


If you have any questions or concerns about topics related to what was discussed in this episode, or commercial transportation and driver safety, please do not hesitate to contact our Member Services team at memberservices@amta.ca.


If you would like to sign up for our bi-weekly eNews and stay on top of all things AMTA, register here: https://www.amta.ca/#enews.  


Listeners, don’t forget about the AMTA Mailbag! We want to hear from you with your industry queries. DM us with your questions, and we will answer via the AMTA Mailbag segment in future episodes or directly via our team of advisors.  

 

Join the conversation at: 

Web: amta.ca 

Instagram: amta_ca/  

Facebook: AlbertaMotorTransportAssociation

LinkedIn: alberta-motor-transport-association

 

Thank you for taking the time to listen. We encourage you to share this episode with those in your network who would receive value from our conversation. Make sure to hit that subscribe button and have a safe day! 

 
Alberta Motor Transport Association AMTA
Next

Episode 45: Keeping It Rolling: Tire & Wheel End Safety